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Kilimanjaro Machame Route 6 Days
Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro Machame Route 6 Days
Mount Kilimanjaro
Price
$1680.00
Trip Overview
Itinerary
FAQs
Other Tour Details
Trip Overview
Overview
the Machame Route is the “Whiskey” route. It is the second most popular and one of the most scenic routes on the mountain. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. It is done over 6 days(Machame Route 6 Days), so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high. It is for physically fit people with some hiking experience. Descent is down the Mweka trail staying at the Mweka or Millennium camp the final night on the mountain.
Tour Highlights
- Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Machame Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Map)
- Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
- Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
- Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, cold weather jacket, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
- Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at 3 stars hotel (upgrades on request).
- Customizations: Can be customized upon request, to meet traveller’s needs
- Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
- Trip Availability: All year round.
Includes/Excludes
- Two way private airport transfers
- All park fees collected by the National Park
- Hotel ccommodations one night before and one night after the expedition
- Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
- All meals on the hike
- All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
- Complete Expedition medical kits
- Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park
- Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
- Government taxes
- Crew salaries
- Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
- Purified water while on the mountain
- Portable tented private flush toilet
- Personal Climbing gears
- Tanzania Visa on arrival
- Mountaineering Insurance
- Tips and Gratuities
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Itinerary
Day 1 Machame Gate (1490m) – Machame Camp (2980m)
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Moshi and driven to the Machame Village. In the village, you can buy mineral water and will receive a packed lunch. From the village, depending on the road conditions, you will either continue to drive from the village to the Machame gate, but if not, the muddy 3 km walk will take about 1 hour to complete. After registering at the gate office, you start your ascent and enter the rain forest almost immediately. There is a strong possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy and slippery experience. You will have a welcome lunch stop about half way and will reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon.
Your porters (arriving at the camp site long before you) will have erected your tent on your arrival. In the evening the porters will boil drinking and washing water and the cook will prepare dinner, before you retire to your tent for the night. Night temperatures can already drop to freezing point at this campsite.
Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 18 kilometers
Habitat: Montane forest
Day 2 Machame camp (2980m) – Shira camp (3840m)
You rise early at Machame camp and after breakfast you climb an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, you continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau. By now you will be able to see in an easterly direction, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. You are now due west of Kibo and after a short hike you will reach the Shira campsite at 3 840m. The porters will boil drinking and washing water, before serving dinner. The night at this exposed camp will even be colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing.
Hiking time: 6hrs
Distance: Approximately 9 kms
Habitat: Moorland
Day 3 Shira (at 3840m) to Lava Tower (at 4630m) to Barranco camp (at 3950m)
The route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, where you reach an altitude of 4630m after about a 5 hours walk. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4630m). This is definitely the toughest day so far. It is normally around this point, where for the first time, some climbers will start to feel symptoms of breathlessness, irritability and headaches. After lunch you descent again by almost 680m to the Barranco camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, the true acclimatisation benefit of this day becomes clear.
This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner.
Hiking time: 7hrs
Distance: Approximately 15 kms
Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 4 Barranco camp (3950m)- Barafu camp (4550m)
After spending a night at the Great Barranco Wall (a very imposing sight at first), you make your way up this awesome-looking obstacle, which in the end normally turns out easier than what you anticipated. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, and then joins up with the Mweka route. This is the preferred route down from the summit, so remember it. Turn left up the ridge and after another hour or so, you reach Barafu Hut.
The last water stop on the route is the Karranga Valley, as there is no water at Barafu camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice” and it is a bleak and inhospitable camping area to spend the night. Totally exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarise yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. The summit is now a further 1345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski stick and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep.
Hiking time: 7hrs
Distance: Approximately 13 kms
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 5 (Summit attempt) Barafu camp (4550m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. You will head in a north – westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. For many climbers, this 6-hour walk to Stella point is mentally and physically the most challenging on the route. At Stella Point (5685m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue.
Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your live. The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear. The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared.
Hiking time: 8h to reach Uhuru Peak, 7 – 8h to descend to Mweka
Distance: Approximately 7 kms ascent – 23 kms descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Day 6 Mweka camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)
Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for three hours back to Mweka Gate. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, hikers will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometers). And you will drive back to your hotel in Moshi.
Hiking time: 3hrs
Distance: Approximately 15 kms
Habitat: Forest
FAQs
What is the weather on Kilimanjaro?
On Mt Kilimanjaro, conditions range from equatorial to arctic, and temperatures can vary greatly. In the rain forest, temperatures may be in the 20-32C range, while near the summit they can drop to -20C above the rain forest and tree line, temperatures generally range between 0-20C, but the weather can change suddenly and unexpectedly, so it is important to be prepared for all seasons in one day, including rain, snow, and hailstorms.
Which Kilimanjaro route should I climb?
Choosing the right Kilimanjaro route for your climb depends on your preferences, fitness level, and the experience you’re seeking. There are several routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, and each has its own characteristics.
How many trekkers are in each group?
Our trek sizes are intentionally small, with a maximum of 12 climbers (average of 6-8) on any of our climbs. This allows us to offer a personalized trekking experience and ensures appropriate attention for each trekker.
However, we also offer private treks that cater to any size family group and can be arranged to suit your specific needs. In addition, our private commercial groups cater to any size group and are tailored to meet the specific needs and client numbers of the organization.
What if I am slow?
We never rush our trek, instead, we like to take in the views and enjoy the experience. Some trekkers may be slower than others, but with our client-to-guide ratio, we are able to support everyone along the way.
Our mantra, “pole pole” (Swahili for “slowly slowly”), reminds us to take our time and ensure that all of our trekkers have the opportunity to enjoy the experience fully.
What is a typical daily routine on Kilimanjaro?
Most trekking on Kilimanjaro is done in the morning when the weather is at its best. The length of the trek for the day is determined by the route chosen. On shorter days, you will reach camp and have a cooked lunch there. On longer days, you will take a packed lunch. In the afternoon, you can use your spare time to rest or go on an additional acclimatization walk.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travelers prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February, and September.
How far in advance should I make a booking?
We recommend booking as soon as you know you can travel, and have decided on which tour you would like to go on. Some of our tours can be quite popular so it’s best to secure your spot as soon as possible.
Are there discounts for groups?
We can offer a discount for more than 2 people, please enquire at the time of booking.
Do you offer private and fully customizable climbs for Kilimanjaro?
Your Kilimanjaro dream climb is entirely your own to design. We will work with you to customize exactly the triumphant Tanzanian mountainous quest experience you want. You go with the people you choose. You leave on whatever day you wish. You decide on your preferred route option, pace, and the number of days you will take.
Do You Offer Crater Camp Option On Kilimanjaro Climbs
An overnight stop at Crater Camp is an optional extra on any customized Kilimanjaro climb , usually lasting eight actual mountain days or more on the Shira, Lemosho, Umbwe and Machame routes. Possibly the most bizarre place you will ever see, it is visited by less than 5% of the 40,000 to 50,000 people who annually ascent Kilimanjaro on a distinct highlands voyage in northern Tanzania
How many hours will I trek each day?
On most routes, you’ll trek 4-7 hours most days. On certain routes you’ll trek as many as 10-15 hours on the longest days.
Will I see wildlife?
Prior to the climb, you’ll enjoy an acclimatization day with wildlife viewing and nature walks. Trekking through the rain forest, you’re likely to spot black-and-white Colobus monkeys, tropical birds and more.
What kind of food will I eat?
Highly-trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day.
You’ll eat all your meals in a solar-lit dining tent with your fellow trekkers and head guide.
Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals can be provided (with advance request). We’re happy to send you a sample menu—just ask!
What are the Kilimanjaro accommodations like?
Your mountain camps are set up and broken down each day by expert camp porters. You’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep you and your gear dry. Private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided in every camp.
Grand Traverse treks include upgraded solar-lit walk-in-height sleeping tents with mountaineering beds and mattresses for additional comfort.
How long are the treks?
The treks vary from six to eight days. The exact length of each trek is written on the Trekking dates and prices page. You can, of course, ask for treks that are longer than eight days and we can arrange this for you – though we don’t book treks for less than 6 days as we feel this is too short to allow you to acclimatize properly.
Who are your operators in Tanzania?
We are. We are not agents for anybody, but run the treks ourselves through our own registered Tanzanian local company.
Who is leading the trek?
The treks will be led by a local guide whom we have hand-picked because of their knowledge, expertise and experience on the mountain. We have an advantage here: because of the many years we have been working on the mountain and the number of times we have climbed it, so we are able to employ only those guides who meet our very stringent criteria. We employ only those who demonstrate excellent knowledge of the mountain, first-rate safety records, brilliant leadership skills and routinely provide wonderful care and attention towards all climbers to ensue their trek is a safe and enjoyable one.
Can I get an itinerary for the trek?
You will receive an exact itinerary when you send us an inquiry. In the meantime, you can read a summary of each of the treks by visiting our Routes up Kilimanjaro section. You can also find detailed day-by-day descriptions and detailed day-by-day route maps of each of the trails in the guidebook – which you will receive for free when you book a trek through us.
What currencies do you accept as payment?
As we are charged in US dollars, so all our prices are quoted in US dollars too. However, we are able to accept a wide range of other currencies too including sterling, euros, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, Israeli shekels, Singapore dollars, Indian rupees etc etc
How many days before the start of the climb should I arrive in Tanzania?
We advise you to spend at least one full day in Tanzania before beginning your trek. Arriving by plane one day and then climbing the next is not the best way to begin a trek.
Are park fees included in your price?
Yes, all Tanzania National Park (TANAPA) fees are included in our Kilimanjaro price. Currently, the conservation fees at Kilimanjaro National Park are: US$70 per person per day and US$50 per person per night for camping. Crew entry fees and Tanzanian Forest Services Agency (TFS) fees (applicable for Rongai, Shira and Lemosho routes) are also included in our Kilimanjaro price.
How many guides will we have?
You will have one lead guide and an assistant guide for 2-3 climbers.
For 4-6 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 2 assistant guides.
For 7-8 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 3 assistant guides.
For 9-10 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 4 assistant guides.
How is the quality of the camping equipment that you use?
We use high quality Eureka tents imported from the USA, Canada and Australia. We also provide foam mattresses designed for mountain excursions (not the thin yoga mat type).
How do I cope with change of altitude?
Always remember to maintain a slow, steady pace from beginning to end. Going slowly allows the body to acclimatize while hiking. Those who start out too quickly will have troubles higher up the mountain as the body will be overexerted. This still holds true if you are spending an extra day on the mountain.
How long does it take to reach the summit?
It will depend on the route you pick and your pace. It can take from 4-8 hours to reach the summit from the high camp.
Why do we make the final ascent in the pre-dawn darkness?
Most groups will start for the summit on ascent day at 11 PM to 12:30AM, depending on the perceived fitness of the group, the weather and the route. The pre-dawn hours, while cold, are also the calmest and clearest. The best views from the summit are at dawn. Often clouds and high winds develop not long after sunrise making the summit much less attractive and the descent more difficult. Guides who have been to the summit scores of times report that it is very rare to find it cloudy at the summit at dawn in any season. The ascent day is a very long day of hiking. Some people may require 15 hours to reach the summit and descend to the campsite for that day.
Can children climb kilimanjaro?
The minimum age set by the National park Authorities for summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro is 12 years old. However, younger children can attempt the summit with special permission. Younger children can also trek on the mountain without reaching the summit.
How many guides, and porters and cooks do we get?
The number of staff that you will have depends on how much gear and weight is brought up the mountain, the route chosen and number of days on the mountain; however a typical trek will have (per 4 persons); 1 guide, 1 assistant guide, 1 cook, 1 waiter and 9 porters.
Are the guides trained in first aid and altitude sickness?
Kilimanjaro guides are trained in acute mountain sickness (AMS) and basic mountain first aid. However, they are not doctors or paramedics. Climbers are responsible for bringing their own first aid kit and medical supplies.
What additional costs can i expect when i travel with you?
Extra expenses include:
Tips for guides, cook,s and porters
Rental equipment (sleeping bags, hiking poles, etc.)
Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel in Moshi.
Any personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, etc.).
How much is a good tip?
The typical tip is:
Porters $5 per day per porter
Cooks $8 to $10 per cook
Assistant Guides $8 to $10 per guide
Kilimanjaro Guides $20 per day and up per guide
*Tip amounts listed for Kilimanjaro are per group, not per individual traveler. For instance, if four people are on Kilimanjaro, they should each contribute $5/day if they want to tip the lead guide $20.
What is the deposit amount to hold my space?
A 15% deposit is required at time of booking to hold your Kilimanjaro climb and 30% for your Tanzania safari.
Do your Tanzania trips include any transfer for those arriving in Nairobi, Kenya?
No, but we can schedule transfer from Nairobi by Riverside Shuttles for an additional charge.
Who prepare the food on the mountain?
Your trekking party will be supplied with a cook to prepare your meals in a safe and hygienic manner.
What about drinking water?
The porters will purify water for you at each camp.
Is it better to do a safari first, then the trek? Or do the trek first?
Most people start with the trek and end with the safari, so they get done with the hardest part of their trip and are able to relax on their safari. However, we can accommodate either order.
How do I wash myself on the mountain?
There are no showers on Kilimanjaro, but we provide soap and bowls of water and you may wish to carry wet-wipes for additional hygiene.
Do you provide oxygen on your climbs?
We carry emergency oxygen on all our climbs, for use when someone is suffering from a serious altitude-related illness. In this event the guide would ask you to descend since this is the only way to recover; however, oxygen can help people feel better during the descent, therefore making evacuation easier and safer.
Other Tour Details
Tour Pricing
| Number of People | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $ 2,400 |
| 2 people | $1,880 |
| 3 people | $1,840 |
| 4 people | $1,820 |
| 5 people | $1,800 |
| 6 people | $1,780 |
| 7 people | $1,740 |
| 8 people | $1,720 |
| 9 people | $1,700 |
| 10 people + | $1,680 |
Hotel Accommodations
| Accommodations before and after Kilimanjaro hiking adventure. Our recommended options include: |
|---|
| 1. Ameg Lodge |
| 2. Lindrin Lodge |
| 3. Keys Hotel |
| 4. Parkview Inn |
| 5. Chanya Lodge |
| 6. Panama Garden Resort |
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